JPH09160439A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to use an image forming device without moving an operation feasible position by making the device have constitution that an operating position where the mode of an image forming time is set and the start permit position of an image forming action are switched by a direction change means. SOLUTION: The proper position of an operation device 6 is provided with the direction change means (key) 120 for switching an effective operating direction in a touch panel 27 so that the effective operating direction can be changed and the operating direction is inhibited to be switched in the midst of the image forming action. A means judging which position the present effective operating position is, a means judging whether it is in the midst of a copying action or not and a means judging whether it has been instructed to change the direction or not in the case that it is not in the midst of the copying action are required. However, the respective functions realized by these means are realized by a main controller (control part) 52. Besides, it is only the key 120 by which the direction can be requested to be changed from the ineffective operating direction.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer and a facsimile machine, and more particularly to an improvement of the image forming apparatus operable from a plurality of operating directions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various types of OA equipment have been positively introduced and installed in various places in the office in order to improve the efficiency of office work. Some of these OA devices are miniaturized such as laptop personal computers, but many such OA devices such as desktop personal computers and copiers have a considerably large installation area and bulk. Therefore, when these OA devices are installed in an office, a large space is occupied by each OA device, and the space that can be actually used becomes small even in an office having a large area. An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is almost always installed near a wall for the purpose of effectively utilizing the space. However, when the layout of furniture in the office is taken into consideration, if the OA equipment can be used from two or more directions, the degree of freedom in installation increases, space can be saved, and operability is improved. be able to. The following technology is disclosed as such an image forming apparatus.

<Copier Having Operation Units on Both Sides of Apparatus> A copying machine disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 169244/1989 has a plurality of operation units independently at positions opposed to each other through a document placing unit. While arranging, at the end of the document placing section,
Supports the pressure plate and opens and closes laterally. <Rotating Copying Machine> The copying machine disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-21946 has a rotating mechanism at the bottom of the main body of the copying machine. Allows operation from any direction. <Copier in which each unit is unitized and can be accessed bidirectionally> The copier disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 32525/1988 allows the units in the apparatus to be independent and enables bidirectional access to the front and rear of the apparatus. The operation part can be attached to both front and rear surfaces. <Copier that can be operated from 4 directions> JP-A-5-20405
7, JP-A-5-207209, and JP-A-5-2072.
No. 10, JP-A-5-216314, and JP-A-5-219.
The copying machines disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 308 and JP-A-5-227372 are provided with a document pressure plate capable of opening / closing operations from four directions and a means for detecting the opening / closing direction. Accordingly, the lighting means provided on the original scale is turned on. Further, it is provided with an operation panel movable between two adjacent sides, and further provided with means for detecting the position of the operation panel. In addition, a space is provided between the scanner unit and the image forming engine unit, and the image formed paper is ejected in this space, and the scanner unit moves in four directions with respect to the image forming engine unit. And make it easy to take out the discharged paper. In addition, when there is an image formation instruction from each operation panel, the instruction is sequentially stored and image formation is performed, and the interruption instruction can be accepted only from the operation panel that issued the image formation instruction. Provide an operation panel that can be prioritized. Further, the original reading range or the vertical movement of the discharge tray is determined based on the detection result of the operation direction. Further, the scanner is made movable with respect to the image forming engine unit, and the original reading range, the effective operation panel or the vertical movement of the discharge tray is controlled according to the detection result of the movement direction. Further, the original reading range, the upper and lower sides of the effective operation panel or discharge tray are determined based on the detection result of the opening / closing direction of the pressure plate.

<Copier equipped with operation section having two print keys> The copier disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 62-76343 has a construction in which print keys are provided at the left and right positions of the operation plate. ing. <Apparatus provided with an operating section that stands up in the operating direction> The apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 62-76343 aims to make the operating panel stand up so that the display surface of the operating panel can be easily seen. To do. <Apparatus equipped with a rotating operation unit> Showa 63-6685
The apparatus disclosed in No. 0 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-66851 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit rotatably with respect to the apparatus body so that the angle with respect to the line of sight can be changed. <Apparatus equipped with a rotatable operation unit> JP-A-62-153
In the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 963/1983 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-153966, a display unit provided with a liquid crystal panel is provided rotatably with respect to the operation panel to make the display easy to see. Also, it can be driven by a motor to set the required angle. <Device in which the position of the operating portion is variable> JP-A-60-209
In the devices disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 745 and JP-A-61-43308, an operation unit is made detachable and a plurality of unit receiving portions are provided so that the position of the operation device can be changed.

[0005]

The two-way copy machine has two operating directions and can be used by switching the operable directions, or pressing the start key from any position. Therefore, the copying machine main body can be installed between departments not as a wall but as an office partition. Moreover, since the operation direction can be switched when necessary, the same copy machine can be used from each department. By the way, in each of the conventional image forming apparatuses described above, the following problems occur as a result of enabling operation from a plurality of directions. First,
(1) In the conventional image forming apparatus capable of bidirectional operation, the mode setting direction at the time of image formation and the start permission direction of the image forming operation cannot be switched.
It is necessary for the operator to move in the operable direction and then perform the operation. (2) When the operation direction is changed during the image forming operation, the operation direction is changed before the image forming operation is completed,
The operator was sometimes confused. (3) When the operating direction is switched by a special means, the operator needs to be aware of the switching of the operating direction, which complicates the operation, and the operator may perform an image forming operation or a copy mode in the opposite operating direction. It was necessary to pay attention to the designation, and the operability was reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and the invention of claim 1 makes it possible to arbitrarily switch the operation direction in an image forming apparatus that can be operated from both sides. The purpose is to eliminate the need for the operator to bother in the direction in which the operator can operate. The invention of claim 2 is intended to prevent the operation direction from being changed during the copy operation. It is an object of the invention of claim 3 to prevent the operation direction from being changed during the copy operation and to reserve the direction change. The inventions of claims 4 and 5 have an object to enable an operator to operate without being aware of the direction change, without the need to prepare a special direction change means. According to the invention of claim 6, it is not necessary to provide a special direction changing means, and it has an independent operation mode and a start key.
By making the copy in the operation mode in the direction in which is pressed, it is not necessary to consider the operation or operation in the reverse direction. It is an object of the invention of claim 7 to enable the operation direction when the power is turned on so that the operator can perform the operation without being aware of the direction change when the power is turned on.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 changes the operation direction in an image forming apparatus which has operation positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operation position. It is characterized by comprising a direction changing means for inputting an instruction to that effect, and a control section for realizing a change of an operation direction based on a conversion instruction inputted from the direction changing means. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that has operation positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operation position, a direction conversion unit for inputting an instruction to convert the operation direction, and which operation is currently performed. Judgment as to whether the position is valid, judgment as to whether copy operation is in progress, judgment as to whether copy operation is in progress, and direction change when no copy operation is instructed And a control unit for detecting the fact that the direction changing means is operable from an invalid operation direction, and the control unit prohibits the conversion of the operation direction during the copying operation. Characterize.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus which has operating positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operating position, direction changing means for changing the operating direction,
Judgment of which operation position is currently effective,
A control unit that detects whether or not a direction change is instructed and determines whether or not a copy operation is in progress is provided, and the control unit changes the operation direction from the direction change unit during a copy operation. When a command is received, the direction change based on the command is performed after the copy operation is completed. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that has operating positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operating position, it is possible to determine whether or not it is in a copy standby state and to determine whether or not the copy standby state is set. It is equipped with a control unit that allows operation input from the direction and detects the input direction, and the control unit enables only the operation direction in which the mode setting at the time of copying is input during the copy standby state. And prohibiting operation input from the opposite direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus which has operating positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operating position, it is determined whether or not it is in the copy standby state and the copy standby state. In case of two-way operation input permission,
And a control unit that respectively detects the input direction, and the control unit enables the operation direction instructing the start of the copy operation during the copy standby state, and operates the copy start instruction in the reverse direction. The feature is that input and copy operations are prohibited. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that has operating positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operating position, it is determined whether the standby state is the copy standby state and bidirectional in the copy standby state. Of the copy operation and the permission of the operation mode input in both directions are provided respectively, and the control section is provided before the copying operation, during the copying operation,
In addition, during the copy standby, the operation of starting the copy operation in both directions is permitted, and the copy operation is performed in the operation mode in the direction instructing the start of the copy operation. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that has operating positions on opposite side surfaces and can be operated from each operating position, a power switch for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus is provided on each operation direction side, It is characterized in that it is provided with a control unit for validating the operation direction in which the power is turned on.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the rear side. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in these figures is provided with a device casing 2 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, an image reading device 3 provided on the upper side of the device casing 2, and an image reading device 3 provided on the lower side of the device casing 2. An image creating device 4, a main power switch 5 provided at the center of the right side plate (the right side plate in FIG. 1) of the device casing 2, and an operating device 6 provided on one side of the upper face of the device casing 2. , The upper part of the front plate and the upper part of the rear plate of the device casing 2, respectively.
The human body detection sensors 7 and 8 provided, the power switch 9 on the operation direction A side (front side) provided on the upper part of the left side plate of the device housing 2, and the operation direction B side provided on the upper part of the right side plate of the device housing 2. The power switch 10 on the back side and the start key 11 on the operation direction A side provided on the front side of the upper part of the device casing 2.
And a start key 12 provided on the rear side of the upper part of the device casing 2 on the operation direction B side. In other words, this image forming apparatus has operation positions on the front side surface and the back side surface, respectively, and the operator can operate by standing in either one of the operation positions. Note that "operation direction" and "operation position" are synonymous. With the main power switch 5 turned on, the operation direction is displayed on the LCD panel 26 constituting the operation device 6 based on the operation contents of the power switches 9 and 10 and the detection contents of the human body detection sensors 7 and 8. Display the operation screen for A or the operation screen for operation direction B, and enable the operation in either direction A or B,
When the operation is performed in this direction, the image reading device 3 is operated to read the image of the document, and the image data obtained by the image reading device 3 is transferred onto the transfer paper of the size designated by the image creating device 4. Toner image is formed and discharged to the outside of the machine.

The image reading device 3, the operating device 6 and the image forming device 4 which constitute the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail below. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 3 includes a contact glass 15 fitted into an opening formed in the upper part of the device casing 2 and an upper part of the device casing 2 adjacent to the contact glass 15. Placed manuscript scale 1
6, a pressure plate 17 configured to be openable and closable in any of the front and rear directions on the upper portion of the device casing 2, and a guide rail (not shown) arranged in the device casing 2 to provide a sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, a first carriage 18 that is configured to be movable and is driven to run at a first speed according to the scaling ratio, and a document that is placed on the first carriage 18 and placed on the contact glass 15. A light source 19 for illuminating
A first mirror 20 is disposed on the first carriage 18 and reflects light (optical image) from the document. Further, the image reading device 3 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by a guide rail (not shown) arranged in the device casing 2, and even if the first carriage 18 moves, the document is read. A second carriage 21 that is driven to travel at a speed (second speed) that is half the first speed so that the optical path length during reading is constant, and is arranged on this second carriage 21 and reflected from the first mirror 20. The second and third mirrors 22 and 23 that reflect the reflected optical image, and the movable mirror 2 are movably arranged in the device housing 2. The position is adjusted to a position according to focus, magnification, etc., and the light is emitted from the third mirror 23. The lens 24 that collects the focused optical image and the lens 24 that is movably arranged in the device housing 2 are positionally adjusted to a position according to focus, magnification, etc., and receive the optical image collected by the lens 24. And convert to electrical signal (image signal) CCD image sensor 25 that
And

When an image reading command is output from the image forming apparatus 4 side, the positions of the lens 24 and the CCD image sensor 25 are moved in the left-right direction according to the reading magnification, the reading range, etc., and the positions are adjusted. After that, the first carriage 1
In the state where the light source 19 of No. 8 is turned on, the first carriage 18
And the second carriage 21 are moved in the sub-scanning direction at the first and second speeds, respectively, to read the image of the original document placed on the contact glass 15, and the lens 24
The light is condensed on the CD image sensor 25 to generate an image signal, which is supplied to the image forming device 4. Operating device 6
Is an LCD display (liquid crystal display) 26 arranged at a position laterally above the device casing 2 so as to be long in the front-rear direction (from the front side to the back side in FIG. 1),
The touch panel 27 is disposed on the upper side of the LCD display 26 and detects the touch when the operator touches the LCD display 26 and generates touch position information. As shown in FIG. 4, while communicating with the main controller 52 on the side of the image creating apparatus 4 via the I / O port, the display instruction command, status information, etc. output from the main controller 52 are fetched and stored. A process of displaying on the LCD display 26 constituting the operation device 6, a process of processing touch position information of the touch panel 27 constituting the operation device 6 to detect an operated key,
The operation unit 28 is provided for performing processing such as transmitting this to the main controller 52.

When a split display screen instruction is output from the main controller 52, this is taken in by the operation unit 28, and each half surface of the screen (front half surface) is displayed on the LCD display 26 as shown in FIG. Displays a split display screen used for operating the operation direction. When the main controller 52 outputs an instruction for all display screens, the operation unit 28 loads the instruction, and L
On the CD display 26, as shown in FIG. 6, a full display screen is displayed which allows the entire screen to be used for operation in one operation direction. In this state, if the operator touches the display surface of the LCD display 26, the touch panel 2
This is detected by 7 to generate touch position information, and the operation unit 28 processes this to generate a key signal (operation information) corresponding to the touch position, which is supplied to the main controller 52.

Further, the image forming device 4 is generated by the writing optical unit 45 for writing an optical image based on the image signal output from the image reading device 3 as shown in FIG. 3, and the writing optical unit 45. The visualization unit 46 that visualizes the optical image as a toner image, the paper feed unit 47 that supplies the transfer paper, and the visualization unit 46 for the transfer paper taken out by the paper feed unit 47.
A paper transfer unit 48 for transferring the toner image visualized by the above, and a fixing unit 49 for melting and fixing the toner on the transfer paper on which the image is transferred by the paper transfer unit 48,
The transfer paper on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing unit 49 is attached to the left side plate of the device casing 2 and is a discharge tray 50.
A paper discharge unit 51 for discharging the paper upward, a main controller 52 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 as a whole, and an image signal output from the image reading apparatus 3 is processed based on an instruction from the main controller 52. An image signal processing unit (IPU) 53 is provided, and an image represented by an image signal output from the image reading device 3 is visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto a transfer paper of a designated size. After transferring, fix the toner image,
The paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 50 outside the machine.

In this case, the writing optical unit 45, based on the image data output from the image signal processing section 53,
A laser output unit 60 including a laser diode that generates a laser beam, a polygon mirror that scans the laser beam emitted from the laser diode, a drive motor that rotates the polygon mirror, and the laser output unit 60. The image signal processing unit is provided with a lens group 61 such as an f-θ lens that converts the laser light to fθ, and a mirror 62 that reflects the laser light from the lens group 61 and supplies the laser light to the visualization unit 46. The image data output from 53 is converted into an optical signal, and the optical image corresponding to the image data is written on the photoconductor 63 constituting the visualization unit 46 to form an electrostatic latent image.

The visualization unit 46 includes a main motor 85.
(See FIG. 4) While being driven to rotate, the photoconductor 63 on which a latent image is formed by the laser light emitted from the writing optical unit 45 and the one arranged near one end of the photoconductor 63 and emitted from the writing optical unit 45. A beam sensor 64 for generating a main scanning synchronization signal (LSYNC) and supplying it to the main controller 52 when a laser beam to be detected is detected, and a photoconductor arranged around the photoconductor 63 to clean the photoconductor 63. A cleaning unit 65, a charging unit 66 arranged around the photoconductor 63 to uniformly charge the photoconductor 63, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 63 arranged around the photoconductor 63. And a developing unit 67 for developing. When performing the printing operation, the photosensitive member 63 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the main motor 85, is cleaned by the cleaning unit 65, is uniformly charged by the charging unit 66, and is further emitted from the writing optical unit 45. When an optical image corresponding to image data is written on the photoconductor 63, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 63. After that, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 63 is developed by the developing unit 67 to form a toner image.

Further, the paper feeding unit 47 is housed in the apparatus casing 2 so as to be retractable and retractable, and first to third paper feeding trays 70 to 72 in which transfer papers of a designated size are respectively housed, and these. First to third paper feeding units 73 to 75 for taking out the respective transfer papers stored in the first to third paper feeding trays 70 to 72
And a vertical transport unit 7 that transports the transfer paper taken out by the first to third paper feed units 73 to 75 upward.
6 and the transfer paper transported by the vertical transport unit 76 are taken in, and the paper transfer unit 4 is loaded at a timing.
8 and a registration roller 77 for supplying the first to third paper feed trays 70 to 72 when performing a printing operation.
The transfer paper of the designated size is taken out of the transfer paper of each size stored in, the upper end of the toner image formed on the photoconductor 63 reaches the paper transfer position while the transfer paper is conveyed upward. The transfer paper is supplied to the paper transfer unit 48 at the timing.

The paper transfer unit 48 is arranged so as to face the photoconductor 63, and a bias voltage is applied when the toner image formed on the photoconductor 63 is transferred onto the transfer paper supplied from the registration roller 77. A paper transfer bias roller 78, a drive roller 79 rotated by a main motor 85, the drive roller 79, and the paper transfer bias roller 78. The paper transfer bias roller 78 extends on the photoconductor 63. A transfer belt 80 for transferring the transfer sheet on which the toner image is transferred is provided, and when the print operation is performed, the transfer belt 80 is provided with the transfer sheet supplied from the registration roller 77 interposed.
While pressing the photoconductor 63, the paper transfer bias roller 7
A predetermined bias voltage is applied to 8 to transfer the toner image formed on the photoconductor 63 to the transfer paper, and then the toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit 49. The fixing unit 49 is
Fixing roller 8 controlled to a predetermined temperature
1 and a pressure roller 82 that presses the transfer paper conveyed by the paper transfer unit 48 against the fixing roller 81, and heats the transfer paper conveyed from the paper transfer unit 48 while applying pressure. Then, the toner image formed on the transfer paper is fused and fixed, and is carried out to the paper discharge unit 51. The paper discharge unit 51 is provided with a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 69 for conveying the transfer paper. The paper ejection unit 51 takes in the transfer paper conveyed from the fixing unit 49, and conveys the transfer paper by the respective conveyance roller pairs 69. The paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 50 outside the machine.

The main controller (control unit) 52
Has a microprocessor as shown in FIG.
While communicating with the operation device 6 and the image signal processing unit 53 via the port, a process of controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1, a process of receiving a signal output from each sensor 83, and a solenoid 84 are controlled. Processing, main motor 8
5 is a circuit for performing a process for driving the intermediate clutch 86, a process for controlling the intermediate clutch 86, the first to third sheet feeding clutches 87 to 89, and the like, and the contents of preset programs and operation information transmitted from the operating device 6. Based on each sensor 85
Processing a signal output from the control unit to control the solenoid 84, the main motor 85, the intermediate clutch 86, the first to third sheet feeding clutches 87 to 89, an image reading command is generated, and the image reading command is generated. Processing for transmitting to the device 3, processing for generating a display instruction command, state information, display information and the like, processing for transmitting to the operating device 6, processing for generating an image processing command and transmitting this to the image signal processing unit 53, etc. Do.

Next, referring to the schematic diagrams shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the flow charts shown in FIGS. 9 to 15, the operation direction specifying operation of this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has an office partition portion, for example, two walls 110, 1.
8 is installed in an installation place 116 between a partition 114, a shelf 115, etc., which divides the space 112 of the sales department 1 surrounded by 11 and the space 113 of the sales department 2.
As shown in, the operator 117 on the sales division 1 side operates in the operation direction A.
It is assumed that the operator 118 of the second sales department uses the same in the operation direction B. <Example of Embodiment Corresponding to Claim 1> The operation position (operation direction) of a normal image forming apparatus is fixed to one side, but since the bidirectional image forming apparatus has two operation positions, the operation device 6
Input from (at least one common operating device, or a plurality of individually provided operating devices) and start keys 11 and 12
Is valid for which operating position (operable state)
It is necessary to determine whether or not both of the operation positions A and B are in the effective state, and to specify the effective operation direction. In claim 1, the direction changing means 12 for designating and inputting the operation position (operation direction) in the valid state.
0 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is provided on the operation device 6, and the operation input from either one of the operation positions (mode at the time of image formation is specified by conversion designation of the operation position by the direction conversion means 120 (direction conversion key). Mode setting operation), start key operation (copy
Only the operation permission) was set to the valid state. In this state, the operation input and the start key operation performed from the reverse operation position are always invalid. Also, the direction changing means 120
Only when a direction change request is made from the operation input from the reverse direction, the operation input from the reverse operation position and the start key operation become effective, and the operation input from the operation position that was previously effective, the start key operation. The operation is invalid.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG. 9, this embodiment will be described. In step 1, the main controller 52 determines whether or not the operation direction (operation position) in the current valid state is A. . If the effective operation direction is A, it is determined whether or not a direction change request by the direction changing means 120 is generated (ST2). If YES in step 2, it means that a direction conversion request to the operation direction B has been issued, so step 3
Then, the process proceeds to step S3 and redraws the LCD for the operation direction B. Next, at step 4, the start key 11 arranged on the operation position A side is lit in red (inhibited color is lit) to indicate that it is in the prohibited state, and the copy operation from the operation direction A is prohibited. To do. Subsequently, in step 5, the main controller (control unit) 52 determines whether or not the copy operation started by the operation from the operation position A is in the copy standby state, and the above processing is performed until the standby state is reached. Don't go to
In the standby state, the start key in the operation direction B is turned on in green (lighting in a color indicating that copying is possible), and the copy operation from the operation direction B is permitted. If no direction change request is issued in step 2, this flow ends. If NO in step 1, that is, if the operation direction is B, the same operation as above is performed as shown in steps 7 to 11. In this case, it is the start key 12 at the operation position B where the current copy operation is operated when the direction conversion request is generated, and it is lit green when the copy standby state is entered. It is the start key 11 at the operating position A that is used.

<Example of Embodiment Corresponding to Claim 2> Next, in claim 2, the operating device 6 close to the invalid operating position.
The direction changing means 120 for switching the effective operation direction is provided at an appropriate place above (provided in the touch panel 27).
As a result, the effective operation direction can be changed, and the switching of the operation direction during the image forming operation is prohibited. In this form example, a means for determining which is the currently effective operation position, a means for determining whether or not a copy operation is in progress, and a direction change instruction if the copy operation is not in progress I need a means to judge whether,
Each function realized by these means is configured to be realized by the main controller (control unit) 52, for example. As a configuration corresponding to this form example, for example, a direction changing means 120 capable of instructing from an invalid operation direction is provided on the touch panel 27 on the entire display screen as shown in FIG. It is this key 120 that can request a direction change from an invalid operation direction.
Only

The operation of this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Explanation will be made based on the First, in step 20, it is determined whether or not the operation direction in the current valid state is A. If the effective operation direction is A, it is determined in step 21 whether or not the copy operation is in progress. If step 21 is NO, that is, the copying operation is in progress, this flow ends. If the result at step 21 is YES, that is, if the copying operation is not in progress, at step 22, the direction changing means 1
It is determined whether 20 is pressed. If the direction changing means is not pressed, this flow ends. If the direction changing means 120 is pressed, the operation direction is switched to B, and this flow ends. When step 20 is NO, that is, when the operation direction is B, the same processing as above is performed (ST24 to 26). In this embodiment, switching of the operation direction is prohibited during the image forming operation, so that it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operation direction is abruptly switched before the image forming operation is completed.

<Example of Embodiment Corresponding to Claim 3> Next, in the example of claim 3, the direction is changed by the operation of the direction changing means 120 during the copy operation being executed by the copy operation from a certain operation direction. When a conversion request is made, the operation direction is prevented from being changed, and the direction conversion can be reserved. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the direction change is instructed during the copy operation, the operation of the operation device 6 from the operation direction instructed the direction change is validated after the copy operation is completed. In this form example, in addition to the direction changing unit 120, a unit that determines which direction the current effective operation direction is, a unit that determines whether or not a direction change is instructed, and a copying operation is in progress. It is necessary to have a means for judging whether or not the main controller (control section) 52 has a function.
It may be configured so that

The operation of this embodiment is shown in the flow chart of FIG.
The description will be made based on the chart. In addition, this flow
The Resvd_Op flag is a flag that is set when a direction change request is made during the copy operation.
The d_OpA flag indicates that a direction change request has occurred when the operation direction B is in the valid state, and Resvd_OpB
The flag indicates that a direction change request has occurred when the operation direction A is in the valid state. First, step 30
In step S31, it is determined whether or not the operation direction in the current effective state is A. If the effective operation direction is A, in step 31, it is determined whether or not the copy operation is in progress. If step 31 is NO, that is, if the copying operation is not in progress, it is determined in step 35 whether the Resvd_OpB flag is not set. Resvd_O
If the pB flag is set (ST35, NO), Resvd_Op indicates that a direction change request has occurred.
After resetting the B flag, switch the operation direction to B,
This flow ends. If step 35 is YES,
That is, when the Resvd_OpB flag is not set, it is determined in step 36 whether the direction changing means 120 is pressed. If the direction changing means is not pressed, this flow is ended, but if the direction changing means is pressed, the operation direction is switched to B, and this flow is ended (step 37). Even if step 30 is NO, that is, if the operation direction is B, step 3
As shown in 9 to 46, the same processing as above is performed. As described above, in the third embodiment, the operation direction switching request during the image forming operation is accepted, but the operation direction is switched after the image forming operation is completed for the accepted switching request, so that the image forming operation is completed. It is possible to prevent the situation in which the operator is confused because the operation direction is switched before, and the next operator's request can be considered.

<Example of Embodiment Corresponding to Claim 4> In the example of embodiment corresponding to claim 4, no special direction changing means is required,
In order to enable the operator to perform the operation (press down the touch panel) to set the mode during image formation without being aware of the direction change, the mode can be set in both directions when in the copy standby state. Operation input is made possible, and when there is an operation input from either one in this state, the operation for mode setting of the operation device 6 from the operation direction having the input is made effective, and The operation input from the operation direction of is prohibited. These controls are executed mainly by the main controller 52 as in the case of each of the above-described embodiments. In this form example, unlike the above form examples, the main controller 5 is provided without providing a special input means 120 for direction change on the LCD or touch panel.
Based on 2 and the like, it is determined whether or not it is in the copy standby state, the direction in which the operation is input, the operation of the operating device from the input direction is enabled, and the operation input from the other is prohibited. The operation in this embodiment is for setting the mode, and the operation for setting the mode means the operation for all settings other than the operation for starting the copy.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of this embodiment. In step 50, it is judged whether or not it is in the copy standby state. If it is not in the copy standby state, this flow is ended, but the copy is completed. In the standby state, the operation direction A mode is
The mode setting input is permitted (ST51), and the mode setting input in the operation direction B is also permitted (ST52). That is, the operation from both operation directions is valid. Next, it is determined whether any touch panel is pressed (ST53). If any touch panel is not pressed, this flow ends, and if any touch panel is pressed, the operation direction It is judged whether or not the A mode setting is input (ST54). If the mode setting input for the operation direction A is made, the mode setting input for the operation direction B is prohibited, and only the operation direction A is permitted for the mode setting input and the pressing of the start key. To finish. Step 54
If the mode setting input for the operation direction B is made, the mode setting input for the operation direction A is prohibited, and only the operation direction B is permitted for the mode setting input and the pressing of the start key. This flow ends. As described above, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to specially prepare the operation direction switching means, and the image forming operation is permitted only from the direction in which the mode setting at the time of image forming is instructed during the copy standby. The operator can operate without being aware of switching the operating direction.

<Mode Example Corresponding to Claim 5> In this mode example, the copying operation from both operation directions is permitted in the copy standby state, and the operation direction from the side instructing the start of the copy operation is performed. The operation input is enabled, and the operation input from the opposite direction and the copy operation instruction are prohibited.
In this embodiment as well, no direction changing means is required on the LCD or touch panel, and the main controller (control unit) 52
For example, it is determined whether or not it is in the copy standby state, the direction in which the operation is input, the operation of the operating device from the input direction is enabled, and the operation input from the other is prohibited. FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the operation of this embodiment. In step 60, it is judged whether or not it is in the copy standby state. If it is not the copy standby state, this flow is ended and the copy standby state is set. If so, the pressing of the start key in the operation direction A is permitted (green lighting). It also permits the pressing of the start key in the operation direction B (lights in green). In other words, it is possible to operate from both directions during standby. Then step 63
It is determined whether or not the start keys 11 and 12 are pressed, and if neither of the start keys is pressed, the flow is ended and any of the start keys is pressed. If so, it is first determined whether or not the start key 11 in the operation direction A is pressed (ST6).
4). If the start key 11 in the operation direction A is pressed, the start key 12 in the operation direction B is prohibited from being pressed, and the mode setting input and the start key press permission are made in the operation direction A.
And ends this flow. When the start key 12 in the operation direction B is pressed in step 64, the start key in the operation direction A is prohibited from being pressed, and the mode setting input and the start key press permission are not permitted. Operating direction B
And ends this flow. Also in this embodiment, the operator can be aware of the direction change and can perform the operation for the copy start without considering the operation of the conversion means, and the operability is improved.

<Example of Embodiment Corresponding to Claim 6> In this embodiment, if the operation direction switching means is not specially prepared and the image forming operation is not in progress (during standby for copying), the operation input is bidirectional. In addition, since the operation input from the opposite operation direction is possible even during image formation and the start of the image forming operation is permitted in both directions during standby, the operator can operate in the opposite operation direction. It can be used without worrying about the image forming operation and the designation of the mode, and improvement in operability can be expected. That is, in this embodiment, each operation direction has an independent mode, and the mode setting input by the touch key is permitted from any direction. In this mode example, means for giving independent operation modes for both operation directions,
It is provided with means for judging whether or not it is in the copy standby state, means for permitting bidirectional operation when in the copy standby state, and means for permitting bidirectional operation mode input. Functions can be executed by the main controller (control unit) 52.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the operation of this embodiment.
If it is NO, that is, if the copying operation is in progress, it is determined whether or not the operation direction A is in the valid state (ST80). If the operation direction A is valid (ST8
0, YES), the input of the copy mode in the operation direction B is permitted (ST81), and the operation direction A is not in the valid state (S81).
(T80, NO), the input of the copy mode in the operation direction A is permitted, and this flow ends (ST82). Step 7
If 0 is YES, that is, if the copying operation is not in progress, the mode setting input in the operation direction A is permitted at the same time as the mode setting input in the operation direction B (ST72). Next, it is determined whether or not it is in the copy standby state. If it is not the copy standby state in step 73, this flow is ended, and if it is the copy standby state,
Allows pressing of the start key in operation direction A (ST74)
At the same time, the pressing of the start key in the operation direction B is also permitted (ST75).

Next, at step 76, it is judged whether any start key is pressed. If the start key is not pressed, this flow is ended, but any start key is pressed. If is pressed, it is determined in step 77 whether or not the start key in the operation direction A is pressed. In step 77, the start key in the operating direction A is pressed.
If is pressed, the pressing of the start key in the operation direction B is prohibited, the operation mode in the operation direction A is set, and this flow is ended. On the contrary, if the start key in the operating direction B is pressed, the pressing of the start key in the operating direction A is prohibited, the operating mode in the operating direction B is set, and this flow is ended. In this form example, each operation position has an independent operation mode without providing a special direction changing means, and the copy operation is performed in the operation mode in the operation direction in which the start key is pressed. Also, it is not necessary to consider the copy operation by the operation, and the operability can be improved.

<Mode Example Corresponding to Claim 7> In this mode example, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a dedicated power source for each operation direction and capable of bidirectional operation, a specific operation direction when the power is turned on. Since the operation from is effective, the operator can perform the operation without considering the operation for changing the direction when the power is turned on. The function of determining which power is turned on is realized by the main controller 52 and the like. FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to the operation of this embodiment. In step 90, it is judged whether or not the power source is OFF. If NO, that is, if the power source is ON, this flow is ended, but the power source is OFF.
If it is FF, it is determined whether or not the power supply in the operation direction A is turned on (ST91). When step 91 is NO, that is, when the power source in the operation direction A is turned on,
After performing the Warming Up operation, it is determined whether or not it is in the copy standby state. If it is not in the copy standby state, the Warming Up operation is performed again (ST.
96, 97). If it is in the copy standby state, the operation direction is switched to A, and this flow ends. Step 9
If 1 is YES, that is, if the power supply in the operation direction A is not turned on, it is determined in step 92 whether the power supply in the operation direction B is turned on. If the power supply in the operation direction B is not turned on, this is determined. End the flow. If the power supply in the operation direction B is turned on, the Warming Up operation is performed, and then it is determined whether or not it is in the copy standby state. If it is not in the copy standby state, the Warming is performed again.
Up operation is performed (ST93, 94). In step 94, if the copy standby state is entered, the operation direction is switched to B, and this flow ends. According to this embodiment, it is possible for the operator to perform an operation at the operation position where he / she is located without considering the operation for changing the direction when the power is turned on. It should be noted that this mode example determines the operation direction when the power is turned on, and the valid / invalid determination standard of the copy operation from each direction performed after the power is turned on is based on the above other mode examples. Is to comply with.

[0033]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1,
In an image forming apparatus that can be operated in both directions, the direction changing means can switch the operation position for setting the mode at the time of image formation and the start permission position of the image forming operation, so that the position can be operated by the operator. It can be used without moving. Also, since the operable positions can be switched and used, the image forming apparatus can be installed between departments instead of office partitions, and the operation direction can be switched when necessary, and the same image can be displayed from each department. The forming device can be used. According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus that can be operated bidirectionally, the switching of the operating direction during the image forming operation using the direction switching means is prohibited. Therefore, the operation is performed before the image forming operation is completed. It is possible to prevent the operator from being confused by switching the direction.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus which can be operated bidirectionally, the image forming operation is temporarily accepted after the operation direction switching request using the direction switching means is received. Since the operation direction is switched after the end, the operator's confusion due to the operation direction being switched before the image forming operation is ended can be prevented, and the next operator's request can be considered. According to the invention of claim 4, in the image forming apparatus which can be operated bidirectionally, it is not necessary to specially prepare the operation direction switching means, and the operation for instructing the mode setting at the time of image formation is performed during standby. Since the image forming operation in the different direction is permitted, the operator can perform the operation without being aware of the switching of the operation direction.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus which can be operated in both directions, it is not necessary to prepare a special operation direction switching means, and the image forming operation is started in both directions during standby (copy start switch). ON) is permitted, the operator can operate without being aware of switching the operating direction. According to the invention of claim 6, in the image forming apparatus which can be operated bidirectionally, it is not necessary to specially prepare the operation direction switching means, and the mode can be specified bidirectionally before the image forming operation. Yes, it is possible to specify the mode from the opposite operation direction even during image formation, and since the start of the image forming operation is permitted in both directions during standby, the operator forms an image in the opposite operation direction. It can be used without worrying about operation and mode specification, and improvement in operability can be expected. According to the invention of claim 7, in the image forming apparatus which can be operated bidirectionally, the operation direction of the side on which the power switch for turning on the power of the device is turned on is in an effective state, so It is possible to prevent confusion and perform image formation without special awareness.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention when viewed from the front side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the rear side.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of an operation device, a main controller, and an image signal processing unit shown in FIG.

5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a split display screen displayed on the LCD display shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a full display screen displayed on the LCD display shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second example of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth example of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth example of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image forming device, 2 device housing, 3 image reading device,
4 image creating device, 5 main power switch, 6 operating device, 7 human body detection sensor on the operating direction A side, 8 operating direction B
Side human body detection sensor, 9 operation direction A side power switch, 10 operation direction B side power switch, 11 operation direction A side start key, 12 operation direction B side start key, 15 contact glass, 16 original scale,
17 pressure plate, 18 first carriage, 19 light source, 20
1st mirror, 21 2nd carriage, 22 2nd mirror, 23 3rd mirror, 24 lens, 25 CCD image sensor, 26 LCD display, 27 touch panel, 28 operation unit, 29 split display screen, 30
All display screens, 35 CPU circuits, 36 ROM circuits, 3
7 RAM circuit, 38 UART circuit, 39 VRAM
Circuit, 40 Character Generator, 41 LCD Controller, 42 Touch Panel Controller, 45
Writing optical unit, 46 visualization unit, 47 paper feeding unit, 48 paper transfer unit, 49 fixing unit, 50 paper ejection tray, 51 paper ejection unit, 52 main controller (effective direction judging means, copying operation judging means, direction) Conversion presence / absence determining means, operation input direction determining means), 53 image signal processing unit, 60 laser output unit, 61 lens group, 62 mirror, 63 photoconductor, 64 beam sensor, 65 photoconductor cleaning unit, 66 charging unit, 67 developing unit, 6
9 conveying roller pair, 70 to 72 first to third paper feeding trays, 73 to 75 first to third paper feeding unit, 76 vertical conveying unit, 77 registration roller, 78 paper transfer bias roller, 79 drive roller, 80 conveyance Belt, 81
Fixing roller, 82 pressure roller, 83 sensor, 84
Solenoid, 85 main motor, 86 intermediate clutch, 87 to 89 first to third paper feeding clutch, 110, 1
11 walls, 112, 113 spaces, 120 direction changing means.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Norio Michiya 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus that has operation positions on at least two opposing side parts and can be operated from each operation position, and direction changing means for inputting an instruction to change the operation direction, and An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that realizes a conversion of an operation direction based on a conversion instruction input from a direction conversion unit. 2. An image forming apparatus having operation positions on at least two opposing side portions, each of which can be operated from the operation position, and a direction changing means for inputting an instruction to change the operation direction, Judgment of which operation direction is valid,
A control unit that performs a determination as to whether or not a copy operation is in progress, a determination as to whether or not a copy operation is in progress, and a detection that a direction change has been instructed when the copy operation is not in progress, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction changing unit is operable from an invalid operation direction, and the control unit prohibits conversion of the operation direction during a copying operation. 3. An image forming apparatus having operation positions on at least two opposing side portions and capable of operating from each operation position, and a direction changing means for changing the operation direction, and which operation direction is currently effective. And whether it is
A control unit for respectively detecting whether or not a direction change is instructed and determining whether or not a copy operation is being performed is provided, and the control unit operates from the direction changing unit during a copy operation. An image forming apparatus, which, when receiving a direction conversion command, performs control for direction conversion based on the command after completion of the copy operation. 4. An image forming apparatus having at least two opposing side portions each having an operating position and being operable from each of the operating positions, a determination is made as to whether or not it is in a copy standby state, and a copy standby state. In the case where the operation direction is input from each operation direction and the operation input direction is detected, the control section is provided. An image forming apparatus characterized in that only an operation is enabled and an operation input from a reverse direction is prohibited. 5. An image forming apparatus having at least two facing sides each having an operating position and being operable from each of the operating positions, a determination is made as to whether it is in a copy standby state, and a copy standby state. In the case where the operation input permission from each operation direction and the detection of the operation input direction are respectively provided, the control unit sets the operation direction instructing the start of the copy operation during the copy standby state. An image forming apparatus which is enabled and performs control for prohibiting a copy start operation and a reverse copy start instruction. 6. An image forming apparatus having at least two facing sides each having an operation position and being operable from each of the operation positions, in the copy standby state, and in the case of the copy standby state. The controller includes a control unit that permits the copy operation in each operation direction and the permission of the operation mode input in each operation direction, and the control unit, before the copy operation, during the copy operation, and during the copy standby, An image forming apparatus characterized in that a copy operation start operation is permitted from each operation direction, and the copy operation is performed in an operation mode in a direction instructing the start of the copy operation. 7. An image forming apparatus having operation positions on at least two opposing side portions, which can be operated from each operation position, and a power switch for turning on and off the power of the image forming apparatus at each operation position. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that is provided and that validates an operation direction in which a power is turned on.